Anna Faris says her podcast, “Unqualified,” became her lifeline during the 2017 breakup and 2018 divorce finalized from Chris Pratt—giving her purpose, a private community, and a calmer space outside Hollywood.
Anna Faris didn’t talk about her divorce like it was a headline. She talked about it like something lived through day by day—then explained how a mic and a small audience helped her get through the worst of it.
The 49-year-old actress told Variety that producing her podcast “Anna Faris Is Unqualified” gave her purpose during the turmoil of her split from Chris Pratt. She said she felt lucky to have the show at that time. and described how it grew out of her love of talk radio. What she wanted was simple. almost quietly ambitious: “I wanted. like. four people to listen and to build my own secret community. ” she said. adding that she hoped to find support in a space away from Hollywood.
Faris and Pratt announced their separation in 2017 after eight years of marriage. They married in 2009 in Bali, and their divorce was finalized the following year. The two share a 13-year-old son, Jack, and have continued to co-parent.
While the podcast existed before the split—Faris launched “Anna Faris Is Unqualified” in 2015. two years before she and Pratt announced their separation—she said it still became a steady presence once the divorce arrived. She described the emotional pressure with blunt honesty: “I was feeling sad. I do feel like I had enough gumption. enough of a core. and I have tried to be careful about how much Hollywood infiltrates. but now I’ve been on a spectrum of fame for 26 years. so I would be naïve to think that it hasn’t shaped who I am at this point. But, f***. The scrutiny.”.
Faris also said she didn’t feel trapped by what she had to say on air. “I didn’t disclose a lot on the podcast, but I always felt like I could if I needed to,” she said. “The podcast helped me a lot during that time.”
The relationship between Faris and Pratt started long before marriage. They first met in 2007 while filming “Take Me Home Tonight,” where they played love interests. Faris later revealed that they “fell in love during that time,” and their relationship moved from co-stars to romance.
Producing the show gave Faris more than comfort—it sharpened what she wanted from her career. She told Variety that making “Unqualified” clarified her interest in writing as something she could pursue alongside acting. “It made me think. I know I could be happy if I’m writing. because I’ve always loved that. and maybe that’s an avenue to make money. ” she said.
Even after their split, Faris said she and Pratt remained close. In October 2017. she told People that they would always have each other and remain friends: “We’ll always have each other and be incredible friends. ” “There is still so much laughter in our lives together. and he is so proud of me. still. We watched each other grow, and he still cracks me up all the time.”.
Faris is now married to cinematographer Michael Barrett. Pratt married Katherine Schwarzenegger in 2019, and they have three kids.
Anna Faris Unqualified Anna Faris Is Unqualified Chris Pratt divorce podcast Hollywood talk radio Michael Barrett Katherine Schwarzenegger Jack Pratt
So basically she just needed a podcast and that fixed the divorce? lol.
Honestly good for her. I feel like any “secret community” thing helps when you’re spiraling. Also she said it was away from Hollywood, which like… yeah no kidding, Hollywood is draining.
Wait I thought she started that podcast because of Chris Pratt leaving her? Like I’m confused, because the article says it was already around in 2015? So did it help before or after? Idk my brain hurts.
I don’t even watch her stuff but I get it. Having like 4 people listening sounds kinda perfect, like less pressure. And the mic/small audience part reminds me of how people do better when nobody’s really judging. Also the whole “scrutiny” thing… Hollywood will turn your life into a sports season, it’s gross. Glad she found something that kept her grounded during all that.